HEALTH INFORMATION

High Point Regional Restricts Visitors Under Age 18 to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

12/26/2014

Effective Friday, December 26, 2014, High Point Regional is restricting visitors who are under the age of 18 to prevent the spread of the flu.

“This decision is based on recommendations from the hospital's infection control committee to combat the spread of influenza among patients,” said Dale Williams, MD and chief medical officer at High Point Regional. “Our decision is similar to other hospitals across the nation to restrict children from visiting the hospital while flu is prevalent in our community.”

Accordingly, those who are under age 18 will not be permitted to visit patients. The restrictions apply to lobbies, waiting areas and patient rooms. The policy does not apply to children who need emergency care or hospitalization.

This restriction is in addition to safety measures already in place requiring all individuals entering the hospital to sanitize their hands.

High Point Regional recognizes this policy may cause some disruption to families; however, the hospital’s first priority is ensuring the safest possible environment for patients and diminishing potential exposure to the flu.

High Point Regional will continue to evaluate this situation as the flu season progresses.